In brief
Two British historians stumbled upon the manuscript, shedding light on 700-year-old legal principles as Harvard faces scrutiny.
In a remarkable turn of events, a manuscript thought to be a mere copy of the Magna Carta turns out to be a rare original, dating back to 1300. Discovered by chance in Harvard Law School's library, the document had been purchased for only $27.50 in the aftermath of World War II and had largely gone unnoticed since joining the collection in 1946. This astonishing revelation comes from two British scholars, including David Carpenter, a medieval history professor at King’s College London, who stumbled upon the manuscript during routine research. “I never thought I’d find a Magna Carta in my lifetime,” Carpenter said, recalling the surprising moment in December 2023 that may change the course of legal history. The newly authenticated document is now recognized as one of only seven originals still in existence.While it’s difficult to put a price on such a treasure, the manuscript’s original cost of under $30 (approximately $500 today) stands in stark contrast to a 710-year-old Magna Carta that sold at auction for $21.3 million in 2007. Researchers utilized ultraviolet light photography and spectral imaging techniques to verify and enhance aspects of the manuscript that were previously undetectable to the naked eye.Nicholas Vincent, another expert in medieval history from the University of East Anglia, assisted in confirming the authenticity of this critical historical piece. The timing of this discovery is particularly significant, as it arrives amidst intense scrutiny faced by Harvard from the current administration, provoking discussions about the enduring legacy of legal frameworks and the responsibilities of academic institutions.
